FIFA Hands Real, Atletico Transfer Ban

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have each been handed a transfer ban by FIFA, prohibiting the two clubs from registering players in the next two windows. The Spanish sides were found to have broken the organisation’s rules in relation to international transfers of players under 18 years of age. The suspension is similar to that which world football’s governing body handed Barcelona. However the ban does not affect the current registration period and does not prevent players leaving either club, but implies that after the January transfer window closes neither Real or Atletico will be able to register any new players until the summer of 2017. Atletico has also been hit with a 900,000 Swiss francs fine (£620,000) while Real have been fined 360,000 Swiss francs (£250,000). A FIFA statement reads: “The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions. “Additionally, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have been fined CHF 900,000 and CHF 360,000 respectively, while both clubs have been issued with a reprimand and given 90 days in which to regularise the situation of all minor players concerned.”